Method of and apparatus for connecting metallic and non-metallic conductors



H. E. NICHOLS.

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CONNECTING METALLIC AND NON-METALLIC CONDUCTORS. APPLICATION FILED MAY 22, I920.

Patented Nov. 9, 1920.

)Wbhww I 21 Elttogmup UNITED .PATENT QFFlCE.

HORACE E. NICHOLS, 0F BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS- IF'DR C-T'NNEC'IING- METALLIC AND NON-METALLIC CONDUCTORS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 9, 1920.

Application filed May 22, 1920. Serial No. 383,486.

To aZZ 20710-772, it may concern.

Be it known that I, l-lonaon E. Niel-Ions, citizen the United States, residing at liEllillHlOIQ, 1n the county of Baltimore and Q11. i 1 i L Utate of Maryland, have invented a new and useful Method of and Aqaparatus for Connecting l/letallic and Non-Metallic Conductors, of which the following a specification.

T his invention relates to methods of and means for forming a union between any article and a metal while the latter is in a state of fusion and maintaining said union until the said metal solidifies.

This invention relates to a method of and apparatus for connecting a metallic electric conductor to a nonmetallic electric conductor.

@ne of the objects of the invention is to provide means whereby the two conductors can be securely fastened together in a si1nple and efficient manner, the apparatus pro vided for this purpose being simple and eiiicient and easily operated.

A further object is to provide means whereby the connecting material is prevented from escaping onto the outer surface of the non'metallic conductor.

A further object is to provide a method of connecting the conductors whereby an increased contact surface between the inetallic and non-metallic conductors is provided and improved electric conductivity is obtained.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, which will appear as the description.

proceeds, the invention resides in the combination and arrangement of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that. within the scope of what is claimed, changes in the precise embodiment of the invention shown can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the accompanying drawings the preferred form of the invention has been shown.

In said drawings Figure l is a perspective view of one form of apparatus that can be used for the purpose of connecting the two conductors, said conductors being shown in position in the apparatus.

Fig. 2 is a section through the meeting portions of the conductors after they have been connected.

Referring to the figures by characters of reference 1 designates a base having a standard 2 provided with upper and lower cross strips 3 in which is slidably mounted a plunger 4. is pivotally connected to an operating lever 5 which, in turn, is connected by a link (3 to the upturned ear I on the upper portion of the standard 2. A collar 8 is adjustably secured on the plunger and bears downwardly on a spring 9 which is supported by one of the cross strips 3 and which serves to hold the plunger 4: and the lever 5 normally elevated.

Slidably mounted upon the lower portion of the plunger is a sleeve 10 having a longitudinal slot 11 into which projects a pin 12 whereby the sleeve is permitted to slide upon the plunger but is held against rotation thereon. This sleeve has an enlarged end 13 forming a foot and bearing upon said foot is one end of a coiled spring 14 the other end of which bears against a collar 15 which is adjustably mounted on the plunger 4.

Secured on the base 1 is a holding cleat 16 and likewise mounted on the base is a holding spring 17. A button 18 is pivotally mounted on the base.

In using the apparatus a non-metallic conductor such as a commutatorbrush indicated at 19, is provided with a bore 20 extending therethrough near one end and with a smaller bore 21 extending into the brush from one end and up to the bore 20. The bore 21 is just large enough to receive one end of a twisted wire conductor or pig tail 22 which, after being inserted into the bore 21 will project into the bore 20, as shown particularly in Fig. 2. After the two conductors have been assembled in this manner the brush 19 is placed on the base 1 and against the strip 16 where it is held by the spring 17, the button 18 serving to hold the brush against longitudinal movement in one direction and with the bore 20 directly in line with the plunger 4. Molten metal is then poured into the bore 20 so as to fill it after which the plunger l is forced downwardly. This will cause the foot 13 to come against the upper surface of the block 19 around the bore 20 after which the plunger l will enter the upper portion of the bore and compress the molten metal contained in said bore. Thus the molten metal will be forced among the The upper end of the plunger of the brush or block 19. As the block or brush rests on the base 1 and the upper end of the bore 20 is closed and sealed by the foot 13 and the plunger l it will be apparent that none of the molten metal can escape from the bore but,"instead, it will be positively compressed. operation the two conductors will be securely fastened together and, because of the increased contact areabetween the parts, the conductivity of the parts will be materially increased. 7

It is to be understood of course that similar apparatus can be used for connecting metallic and non-metallic conductors used for other purposes. Also, obviously, various changes can be made in the construction of the apparatus used while following the same general principle in holding and compressing the molten'metal until. the same is hardened. Also that similar apparatus may be used to produce a union between any article and metal such as I employ for effecting the juncture of the brush and conductor.

\Vhat is claimed is: a

1. Apparatus for use in connecting metallie and non-metallic conductors, comprising means for holding a non-metallic conductor As a result of this against movement, said conductor having a bore therein for the reception of molten metal, a plunger slidably mounted to move into and out of said bore, means for yieldingly supporting the plunger, a foot'slidably mounted on the plunger, yielding means for holding the foot normally pressed toward the conductor to engage one surface of said conductor during the movement of the plunger relative to the foot and into the bore, and means for actuating the plunger.

2. Apparatus of the class described including a base, a standard, conductor gripping means upon the base, a plunger guided within the standard, yielding means for su porting the plunger, means for actuating the plunger to shift it toward and into the held conductor, apressure foot slidably mounted on but held against rotation upon the plunger, and yielding means engaging the pressure foot for holding it normally projected toward the base.

In testimony that l claim the'foregoing as my own, I have hereto affixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

nonacn n. nronoLs.

Witnesses HENRY SHIRE, WM. D; PoUL'rNnY. 

